Customer Reviews

Blue Pacific

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This review is being written to currently right an egregious wrong. Which is simply that Michael Franks "Blue Pacific" is quite possibly, when listened to in it's entirety ( as opposed to evaluating each song seperately ) his best work as of this date. Don't misunderstand me, Michael Franks back catalogue is nothing short of amazing, having written some tunes that will forever be on my list of favorites, as I'm sure they will be on many other listener's lists as well. But, that being the case, when judged as a complete disc "Blue Pacific", with it's picturesque songs of oceans, sand and unrequited love ( what other kind is there? ) simply does not require me to search for the 'skip' button on my cd player. And the strength that comes from each song so wonderfully complementing the last is what makes it an extrodinary listening experience.

Starting off with the funky, uptempo "Art Of Love", which really sets the tone of the disc extremely well, the album is off and running. To put it mildly this song has a groove you can 'take to the bank'! Followed by the leisurely "Woman In The Waves" which reminds me of Antonio Jobim's "Girl From Ipanema", the song is amazingly descriptive, seductive and sinfully playfull! There really are so many highlights to this disc.... including "Long Slow Distance" which, for me, is easily the standout track. Performed at mid-tempo, while Michael sings coyingly about pacing yourself for the "long distance" when entering a relationship and attempting to keep things nice and slow to make it last, is a work of true lyrical art! Plus, with a piano solo by Joe Sample that flows so well I almost started to laugh! The other true highlight would have to be "Vincent's Ear", obviously a tribute to Vincent Van Gogh's tortured life and the price some artist's pay for their talent's. The song is at once sympathetic of this true artist yet at the same time still in awe of the man himself. Finishing off the disc is a wonderful 'lullaby' called " Crayon Sun ( Safe At Home )a simple and elegant selection that finds Michael 'safe at home' and ultimately happy and satisfied with his journey. A fitting end to a cd that is at once imaginative, playful and yet strangely innocent in a child like wonder of the world.

Overall, this album has much to offer the listener who is looking for a style of music that conjure's up a setting that is graphically set on any beach front where the lure of the ocean is still a powerful magnet to many of us. And one where the artist is still able to marvel at life's small pleasures and the beauty of what is all around him. A cd that, I find, is richly textured, immenently more mature than his previous work and shows Michael Franks at the top of his game. For me, personally, I'm going to sit back, reach for my pina colada and relax! It may be the middle of December but I've indeed found my place in the sun! Thanks!

I bought this cd when it was first released, I had read a review in Entertainment Weekly about this album and Michael in general, it stated Michael excels in "better than average background music." I was apppalled by this statement, they had slammed other artists I like, this was the last straw, I cancelled my subscription and never looked back.
That said, this album is, as usual, wonderful. The songs are not really designed to stand out on their own, save for "Art Of Love," that song got lots of airplay and it's upbeat arrangement with optimistic lyric differs from the rest of this album, it also lacks the tropical overtones in the arrangement. The real story begins with "Woman In The Waves" and goes from there taking us to Michael's state of mind, the tropics and relationships with a little conflict but a lot of love. It almost seem Michael's perfect woman is a tropic paradise, and he wants to prove it to us that he's right. "Woman In The Waves" contains the lyric in the refrain "she understands how the blue water behaves, mother of pearl is the woman in the waves." The rest of the album does not stray from this feeling, "Speak To Me" is a slight departure because of it's tempo. "Vincent's Ear" is a song from Michael's play "Noa Noa," which was in almost draft form by this albums release, the play is now finished and the characters have been cast. The song has a cool jazz feel. "Chez Nous" had to grow on me a bit, Michael sounds almost strained to sing this one, the lyric I thought was a bit weaker than the rest of the songs. The title track is an almost summary of the entire body of work, the last track is a beautiful, airy song, a great way to close the album. Unlike most of Michael's albums, the songs here do not make sense out of context but when listened to as a whole, the story is wonderful fantasy.

A friend turned me on to Michael Franks back in the early 80's. His unusual voice and musical style, along with his adeptness with lyrics, really resonate with me. I'm not a fanatical fan by any means, but there are certain moods for which his music is absolutely the best choice. I've owned Blue Pacific since it was first released, and if anything I enjoy and appreciate it more now than when I first purchased it.

All of his other albums I've heard have songs I love, like, and don't much like. But Blue Pacific is that very rare thing, a perfect album. It's not that I absolutely love every single song on the album. It's that even my less favorite songs still obviously belong here. All the songs seamlessly flow together into one beautifully cohesive whole. The entire album strikes a tone and mood that is consistent throughout, and as others mentioned, it really does transport you mentally to the ocean.

My favorite on the album by far is "Woman in the Waves". It's a combination of the lyrics and how the song sounds, along with it bringing back memories of swimming in the ocean with my friend who introduced me to Michael Franks. "Blue Pacific" ranks next. I can't really put into words what the song evokes in me, but it's magical. The rest of the songs are all really solid and which ones I like more than others depends on what day I'm listening to the album.

I highly recommend Blue Pacific as THE Michael Franks album to own. All others are icing on the proverbial cake, but this is the one that it would be a tragedy to not have in your music collection.

I have been listening to Michael Franks since the late 70's. He has a unique soft voice...that people seem to either love or hate. His songs can be serious or cynical...love songs or break-up songs. The top selections on this one are The Art Of Love, Long Slow Distance...on this one he ties running into a relationship with a person. Vincent's Ear (this is a tribute to Vincent van Gogh). Also Crayon Sun (Safe At Home). This one may be my particular favorite on this CD. In my opinion this is another winner for Mr. Franks!!!! Buy it and you'll see what I mean.

yes, well, perhaps not a frenzy, but this is one of my favorite CD because Frank's voice is soothing and lanquid but has a certain verve and humor....like looking across the ocean and seeking the sun sparkles on the tips of the waves.

A very nice compilation and ideal for relaxation that's not overly mellow. Jazzy in that "Girl from Ipanema" way.

Crafty piano and serviceable musicianship is trumped by fine lyrics.

My opinion may be a bit colored, because the first time I heard this album I had just taken a job at the University of Hawaii. I arrived at the airport, picked up a convertible, and popped this in the stereo. It really spoke to me. I can only hope that your exerience is as nicely colored as mine.

My opinion may not be all THAT colored, however. For I've listened to this album numerous time since moving away from Hawaii. It still reminds me of the Pacific, the relaxed lifestyle, but now I think as much about Gaugin as me. So it remains very evocative. I love the songs, they all have a nice touch -- not too mellow, but not too funky either. Definitely worth a listen!

this CD takes me back to the beaches of Monterey and Carmel where I have many memories as a young boy. Other listeners may stuff him in the "Smooth Jazz" box, but I feel this album sits in a category all by itself. Say what you will...if it moves your head or your heart, that's art. The song, "Crayon Sun" recalls one of the many reasons I want to be a parent.

This is the best Album of M.F. and one of the best Pop-Jazz Albums I've ever heard. Good lyrics (first; On the inside) good subtle music, musicians and vibes. When I'm down, it takes me high. It's a classic.

simply put...another great CD. just it put on the player & enjoy.

Franks' decade-old album is still as soothing, is still as charismatic, and still as jazzy as it was upon its initial release. Highlights are "The Art of Love," "Speak to Me," "Vincent's Ear," "On the Inside," "Chez Nous," and the title cut.

Break out the lounge chair; get a mai tai, and just chill. The ocean has never sounded so right!!!!